In full control, the ‘Caps took the lead in the first half when a nice passing play ended with Richardson crossing in to Jaclyn Sawicki. The Coquitlam, BC, native then finished the play to put her team up 2-1 at the break.

The second half saw the ‘Caps extend their lead when Sawicki returned the favour to Richardson, sending her in on a breakaway, as she slotted home her second goal of the night for a 3-1 lead.

It looked as if Whitecaps FC would secure an important victory, but a handball was called on Danielle Johnson in the 89th minute, allowing the Strikers to score on a penalty kick from Laura Stockdale and pull it back to 3-2.

Then, with only seconds remaining, the Strikers hit a 35-yard free kick to the back post, which was headed in by Caitlin Munoz for a dramatic 3-3 draw.

“It was a bit of mismanagement on our part, we gave up chances which we shouldn’t have,” said Jesse Symons, Whitecaps FC women’s head coach. “But overall, we played at a high level and stuck to our game plan.

“We’ll look to keep the energy high on Sunday. The team is in good spirits, so we’ll focus on ending the road trip with a positive result.”

Next up for the ‘Caps is the final match of their three-game road swing on Sunday against Santa Clarita Blue Heat at Valencia High School. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. PT.